496257v1 Rev. 10.24
CITY OF FRESNO
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO. WC00074-WSSIS
THE PROJECT DESCRIBED HEREIN IS DETERMINED TO BE CATEGORICALLY
EXEMPT FROM THE PREPARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTS
PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 19 OF THE STATE CEQA GUIDELINES.
APPLICANT: David Sweet, P.E.
Licensed Professional Engineer
City of Fresno Utilities Planning and Engineering
1626 E Street
Fresno, CA 93706
PROJECT LOCATION: Water Tank T-4 (APN 46702052ST)
City of Fresno Council District 3
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The City of Fresno, Public Utilities Department is proposing to remove and replace existing fencing at Water Tank T-4 which is subject to elevated levels of break-in and theft. 629 linear feet of existing fencing will be replaced with new anti -intrusion fencing and 223 linear feet of a steel topper with anti -intrusion pickets will be installed atop the existing wall.
This project is exempt under Sections 15301/Class 1 and 15302/Class 2 of the California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA) Guidelines. None of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 apply to this project.
EXPLANATION:
Staff has performed a preliminary environmental assessment of this project and determined that it falls within the Categorical Exemption set forth in State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301/Class 1 (Existing Facilities), which exempts existing facilities under certain conditions. Staff found that the conditions are met.
Class 1 exemptions, for projects pertaining to Existing Facilities, consist of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency’s determination. Examples include but are not limited to: Existing facilities of publicly owned utilities used to provide electric power, natural gas, sewerage, or other public utility services; existing highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities (this includes road grading for the purpose of public safety); restoration or rehabilitation of deteriorated or damaged structures, facilities, or mechanical equipment to meet current standards of public health and safety; and, the Addition of safety or health protection devices for use during construction of or in conjunction with existing structures, facilities, or mechanical equipment, or topographical 496257v1 Rev. 10.24
features including navigational devices.
The proposed project involves fencing improvements of existing fencing at an existing publicly owned facility used to provide municipal water services to the public. These improvements will not expand the existing facility and will enhance the safety of both City Employees and the Public by reducing incidents of break-in and theft at these locations.
Class 2 exemptions, for projects pertaining to Replacement or Reconstruction, consists of replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced, including but not limited to: Replacement or reconstruction of existing schools and hospitals to provide earthquake resistant structures which do not increase capacity more than 50 perce nt;
Replacement of a commercial structure with a
new structure of substantially the same size, purpose, and capacity ; Replacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity; Conversion of overhead electric utility distribution system facilities to underground including connection to existing overhead electric utility distribution lines where the surface is restored to the condition existing prior to the undergrounding.
The proposed project involves fencing improvements which will be of substantially the same purpose and will cause no expansion of capacity.
None of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply to this project. The project site is not located in or near a State designated scenic highway, nor is it included in any listed compiled pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code or a historical resource. The project replaces existing fencing and there is no risk of cumulative impact, nor will there be a significant effect as a result of the project.
Date: May 22, 2025
Prepared By: David Sweet, PE
Licensed Professional Engineer